Sumter's Simpson Hardware will host a boating education safety course from the state Department of Natural Resources from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 30, with Ken Cope as course instructor.
South Carolina law requires boaters younger than 16 to pass an approved boating education course before operating a personal watercraft such as a jet ski or a boat powered by a motor of 15 horsepower or more without adult supervision.
The South Carolina Boater Education Course is recommended for motivated students 12 years of age and older with good reading and comprehension skills who want to learn more about the fundamentals of safe and responsible boating. Course materials are on a sixth-grade reading level. A typical course lasts six to eight hours with exam time, depending on the class location and instructor. Enrollees are encouraged to bring a notebook to take notes.
Students under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Enrollment is free, but space is limited.
For more information, visit www.sc.dnr.gov.
